2009 Beth Daniel Junior Azalea

Blake Kennedy came to the course two strokes back and a consecutive 67 gave him the 2009 Beth Daniel Junior Azalea Boy’s title. Katie Rose Higgins added to her great summer run by posting an even par 71 to win by one over Katelyn Dambaugh and McKenzie Talbert.

Play was suspended twice due to thunderstorms in the area and the players hung tough in the trying conditions. Kennedy had a one stroke margin of victory over Thomas Bradshaw as they both played excellent golf over the two days. Kennedy earned an exemption into the Azalea Amateur and the Bobby Chapman Junior Invitational. The girls swapped the lead all day with Katie Rose making par on the tough 18^th to claim her victory over a very competitive field.

The day started off with Hart Brown, Director of Golf, and Beth Daniel filling in divots as the juniors readied to play. Board members of the club volunteered all day in the heat; showing true dedication for all involved and a great tribute to the growth of the event.  The Country Club of Charleston is the home track of the event and has a tremendous history of talented membership that includes Masters Champion Henry Picard, storied amateur Frank Ford, Beth Daniel, and many others that have gone on to success in the game. Their support of amateur and junior golf is second to none in South Carolina.

Players were selected based on their national ranking with the National Junior Golf Scoreboard and the SCJGA Heritage Classic Foundation Rankings. Over 200 players applied for the event that will be sure to grow with Beth’s influence.

Beth has been a long time friend of the SCJGA and junior golf. The Beth Daniel Player of the Year award goes annually to the top female golfer in SC based on the Heritage Classic Foundation Rankings. She has also been involved with the LPGA – USGA Link Girls to Golf Program and several other junior golf specific programs. She has won 33 times on tour, been on the Solheim Cup Team nine times, elected to the LPGA Hall of Fame in 1999, and elected to the World Golf Hall Of Fame in 2000. The Charleston native is also the 2009 USA Solheim Cup Captain and has selected a former SCJGA Player of the Year, Kristi McPherson, to be on the team.